Clash between MQM and MQM haqiqi in Karachi

23Jul

KARACHI (Xinhua) – At least seven people were killed and a dozen other were injured on Friday as supporters of two groups from ethnic Urdu-speaking community clashed in some parts of the Pakistani port city of Karachi, police sources and witnesses said.

The clashes started after the MQM-Haqqiqi group led by Afaq Ahmed resisted attempt by the MQM to take control of Kokhrapar area in Malir, which had been stronghold of Haqqiqi group. Five activists of MQM were killed in Malir.

In retaliation, the MQM supporters attacked the Haqqiqi men in Landhi and killed two of its supporters.

A total of 12 people from both sides were injured in clashes continued for several hours.

Witnesses said that the Haqqiqi men also occupied five offices of MQM in Malir area after the clash.

The paramilitary force and police failed to control the firing.

Markets were closed and transport off the road as the clashes started early morning.

Karachi, the capital of Sindh province and Pakistan’s commercial center, has seen series of ethnic and political violence in recent weeks.

Scores of people were killed and many more were injured in clashes earlier this month between ethnic Muhajir and Pashtuns.